Senior Flight Test Engineer - Space Systems

Anduril • Costa Mesa, CA

1d • $146,000 - $197,000

About The Position

Anduril is seeking a highly motivated, experienced Flight Test Engineer to lead developmental testing for rocket-launched systems spanning subsonic to hypersonic applications. The role works closely with program leadership and engineering departments to plan, coordinate, execute, and report on all aspects of test programs. The Test and Evaluation team supports the full product and business-line spectrum, including system-level development testing, production acceptance testing, sub-component qualification, flight operations, and test-range management.

The Senior Flight Test Engineer leads a team conducting full system-level testing of hardware and software, serves as lead test engineer for research and development rocket-launched systems, and works with civil and government certifying agencies to secure operational authorizations. The role includes hands-on involvement in facility startup and design, build, and integration phases, as well as testing at private and government-owned ranges. Travel and extended hours may be required for test planning and execution. The position is subject to pre-employment and randomized substance screening as required by the company.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or equivalent engineering experience in place of the degree.
• 7–10+ years of experience as a program lead or test director for rocket-launched systems or developmental weapon systems, including requirements development, initial prototype builds, test planning, execution, and reporting.
• Extensive experience in solid rocket motor (SRM) flight testing, guided SRM missile development, stage separation systems design and testing, and Missile Range Technology Facility Base (MRTFB) operations and procedures.
• Expertise developing Flight Safety Systems (FSS) compliant with MRTFB, RCC, and FAA standards.
• Experience as an MRTFB Range User, including compliance with local range safety requirements, analysis, simulation studies, and documentation submission.
• Knowledge of Flight Termination System (FTS) integration with range support and monitoring equipment.
• Experience integrating surrogate booster motors, preferably in hypersonic programs.
• Strong understanding of vehicle, payload, and ground safety equipment requirements.
• Familiarity with adjacent missile technology programs and funding opportunities.
• Experience with systems engineering or Department of Defense program processes, including EVM and MIL-STD-881.
• Working knowledge of military standards, including MIL-STD-8591, MIL-STD-2088, MIL-STD-1553, MIL-STD-1760, AS8775, and AS5653.
• Experience integrating and conducting tests with ground- or ship-based launch systems and with suspension, arming, and release equipment.
• Familiarity with military missile system airworthiness certification standards and processes, including ADS-45-HDBK, Seek Eagle, and NNMSB.
• Ability to manage complex test schedules and coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong computer and documentation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel for test planning and execution and work extended hours as needed.
• Proactive problem-solving attitude.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution, or equivalent engineering experience in place of the degree.
• Knowledge of High-Power Rocketry standards, including 14 CFR Part 101 and NFPA 1127.
• High-power rocketry certification level 1, 2, or 3.
• Prior experience in supersonic or hypersonic vehicle design and flight testing.
• Prior experience testing solid or liquid rocket propellant engines or boosters.
• Prior experience building software code or scripts using languages such as Go, Java, C++, Python, or JavaScript.
• Prior experience using flight simulation to support flight safety analysis, including debris-pattern propagation and instantaneous impact point (IIP) analysis.
• Familiarity with flight simulation and live telemetry visualization tools such as SIMDIS.
• Prior experience with Linux-based systems and command line.
• Working knowledge of commercial off-the-shelf small UAS autopilot and mission-planning software.
• Expertise and working knowledge of the National Airspace System and applicable UAS operating rules and regulations.
• Experience working with manned aircraft personnel and familiarity with aviation terminology.
• Experience with weapon or tactical datalinks.
• Experience with multiple propulsion systems, including air-breathing and non-air-breathing systems.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with program management on proposals, strategies, and test and evaluation solutions for subsonic and supersonic rocket-launched systems.
• Work with program management, test leads, and engineering department leads to develop requirements, communicate test schedules and progress, establish test gates and milestones, and discuss results.
• Lead a team in planning and executing full system-level testing and evaluation of hardware and software, including resource planning, ground and flight testing, issue investigation, and process improvement.
• Serve as lead test engineer for research and development rocket-launched systems, including development, certification, and subsystem integration testing.
• Engage with civil and government certifying agencies to obtain operational authorizations.
• Conduct ground and flight testing at private and government-owned test ranges.
• Support startup of new test facilities for supersonic testing.
• Provide hands-on support during initial design, build, and integration phases.
• Plan, execute, and report on laboratory, ground, and flight tests.
• Oversee test data collection and perform initial data analysis.
• Ensure safe operations in accordance with established procedures.
• Travel for test planning and execution and work extended hours as needed.

Benefits

• Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full-time offers.
• Top-tier benefits for full-time employees, available at little to no cost to employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior